loaded question
Say it: LOH-did question /ˌləʊdɪd ˈkwɛstʃ(ə)n/ · noun
What “loaded question” means
A question that makes any direct answer admit an unproven claim.
More precisely: A question containing an unjustified assumption, so any direct answer seems to admit it.
Example: “'Have you stopped wasting money on gadgets?' is a loaded question.”
When to use it
When challenging unfair interview or argument tactics, where answering directly would accept an accusation that has not been established.
Similar words
trick question, complex question
Quick check
Someone asks, 'When did you stop cheating at cards?' although you never cheated. What kind of question is this?
a loaded question or a leading question?
Show the answer
a loaded question
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